Televisions don’t come cheap, and with constantly evolving and improving TV technologies it can seem like you’re always a step behind the next biggest thing. Perhaps the fear of committing to the wrong set or overpaying for a sub par model is keeping you from enjoying your favorite content on a new screen. We’re here to cut through the noise, reduce your stress and help you find the best 55-inch TV for your home.
FAQs: Buying a 55-Inch Television
You likely have a few questions as you begin your quest to find your next perfect set, especially if it has been a while since you’ve researched televisions. Luckily, we’re here to provide some answers to some of the most-asked queries.
1. Is a 55-inch TV the best size for my room?
The answer to this question comes down to personal preference and space limitations. Some sources recommend degrees of viewing angles and take into consideration the distance you’ll be sitting from your TV; however, there’s no need to follow any set of rules. We recommend ensuring you have the required space on your entertainment console or wall to accommodate the model you’re eyeing. Keep in mind that, on average, viewers tend to sit about nine feet from their televisions. If you’ll be sitting significantly closer than that you may want to opt for a smaller screen size to eliminate noticing individual pixels.
2. When is the best time to get a deal on a new television?
Although a good sale can be found throughout the year, you can traditionally count on great deals near both the end of the year and the beginning of a new one. This usually lines up with Black Friday sales and the kick-off of holiday shopping. Also scan retailers for special pricing when large sports events, such as the Super Bowl, are approaching.
3. How much should I pay for a 55-inch TV?
The sky’s the limit here. You’ll notice that we feature televisions with a wide range of pricing on our list of recommendations. You’ll see that great 4K UHD LED TVs can be found for well below $500, while OLED sets will cost you upwards of $1,500 plus. Review your requirements and your budget before committing and find a set that hits the sweet spot between the two.
How We Determined Our Top TV Picks
We understand that comparing one television to another can be incredibly overwhelming. In the hopes of helping you narrow your search, we’ve sifted through information on countless TV models. We’ve taken into consideration the features of each set, actual consumer reviews, top tech expert opinions and the results of product testing to compile our own list of the top ten best 55-inch TVs.
Prices and Purchasing
You’ll come across a wide range of pricing for 55-inch televisions. The ones we feature here range from less than $400 for an entry-level smart LED television, up to over $2,500 for an OLED model. With an array of price points, you’re sure to find one that fits within your particular budget. All the sets we highlight in this overview are considered smart TVs that offer 4K UHD technology. Some of them utilize LED displays, while others are higher-end OLED. Every model that we list can be purchased from Amazon, and most of them can also be found at other electronics retailers.
Seeing the Big Picture: Our Top 10 55-Inch TV Recommendations
- Dimensions: TV without stand: 49.1" W x 28.5" H x 3.0" D. TV with stand: 49.1" W x 30.8"H x 8.7" D. Stand separation...
- Smart functionality offers access to over 4,000 streaming channels featuring more than 450,000 movies and TV episodes...
- Pairs 4K Ultra HD picture clarity with the contrast, color and detail of High Dynamic Range (HDR) for the most lifelike...
The 55-inch 55S405 TV from TCL takes the cake when it comes to value. Coming in under $400, this model is the lowest-priced one featured here. A 4K smart TV, it also boasts Ultra HD and HDR, and many owners of the set attest that pictures look even more stunning than they expected considering the price. With built-in Roku, streaming and binging your favorite content is a breeze.
Pros
Cons
Price
Rating
$340 - $370
- Dimensions (w x H x D): TV without stand: 48.4" x 27.9" x 1.9", TV with stand: 48.4" x 29.9" x 8.9"
- Smart functionality gives you access to your favorite apps and content using webOS 3.5. CONNECTIVITY: Wi-Fi Built In...
- Pairs 4K Ultra HD picture clarity with the contrast, color, and detail of High Dynamic Range (HDR) for the most lifelike...
It may seem like a leap to go from our first recommendation, which has a price that’s easy on the wallet, to an entry-level model that sells for over $1,500, but there’s a reason that LG’s OLED 55B7A ranks highly on our list. While it’s also a 4K UHD model, this television has an OLED display, making it one of the most affordable ways to enjoy the beautiful picture this technology provides.
Pros
Cons
Price
Rating
$1,350 - $1,600
- Your purchase includes One TCL 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD Roku Smart LED TV, 2018 Model – 55S517, One start guide, one Remote...
- TV dimensions: Without stand- 48.3" W x 28" H x 3" D. With Stand- 48.3" W x 30" H x 10.6" D. Weight without stand: 32...
- Inputs: AV Input Composite + L&R Video, RF Input (NTSC, ATSC) 1, Ethernet 1, USB 1 USB 2.0, HDMI 3 HDMI 2.0 w/HDCP 2.2...
TCL delivers another value-conscious option with their 55S517. Still coming in under $500, this 4K UHD smart TV is an especially appealing choice if you stream lots of content, and want the picture to look great without requiring you to pay an arm and a leg. Not only does the brand boast that their 5-Series set has the most streaming channels of any television, but it also provides life-like images and enhanced color accuracy thanks to Dolby Vision HDR imaging.
Pros
Cons
Price
Rating
$420 - $460
- Dimensions (W x H x D): TV without stand: 48.8" x 28.5" x 2.4", TV with stand: 48.8" x 30.7" x 10". Stand Width-20 1/2...
- Smart functionality gives you access to your favorite apps and content. With YouTube and Netflix buttons built into the...
- Pairs 4K Ultra HD picture clarity with the contrast, color, and detail of High Dynamic Range (HDR) for the most lifelike...
If you’re in the market for the absolute best 55-inch TV, Sony’s KD55X720E may not be for you. While complaints about the model include a clunky user interface and non-uniform black space on the screen, it can’t be ignored that this 4K UHD Smart TV provides a large screen at a great price from a trusted brand.
Pros
Cons
Price
Rating
$730 - $770
- Beyond High Definition: 4K UHD HDR picture offers stunning clarity, color range and detail
- Enhanced Quality: With the X1 Extreme Processor enjoy controlled contrast & wide range of brightness.
- Say It. See It.: Connect Alexa to your TV to stream smart camera feeds with your voice, play music, launch video apps,...
The Sony XBR55X900F gains both a jump in quality and price over the previous Sony model we mentioned here. If picture quality is paramount, then the price is justified, as this set produces deep, uniform blacks for great contrast and clarity. The television is compatible with both Google Home and Amazon’s Alexa, so it’s a great addition to the ever-evolving smart home.
Pros
Cons
Price
Rating
$840 - $880
- Your purchase includes One TCL 55R617 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD Roku Smart LED TV (2018 Model), One voice enabled remote...
- TV dimensions without stand: 48.5" W x 28.1" H x 2.9" D. TV dimensions with stand: 48.5” W x 30.6” H x 10.7” D....
- Our Contrast Control Zones (CCZ) is part of the powerful performance package available on our new six series TV. Simply...
You may be surprised to see so many models from TCL making our list, as many consumers aren’t overly familiar with the brand. The truth is that the combination of attractive pricing and great picture quality make their sets an excellent value, and the 55R617 is no exception. Experts rank the set’s image quality to be on par with much more expensive, well-known brands.
Pros
Cons
Price
Rating
$610 - $650
- LG OLED TV with AI (Artificial Intelligence) ThinQ has the Google Assistant built in, so you can control compatible...
- The α9 Intelligent Processor inside the LG OLED TV with AI ThinQ is the most powerful ever from LG. Developed...
- Pixel Level Dimming enables each of the 8.3 million individually lit pixels of the LG OLED TV with AI ThinQ to brighten,...
Having introduced you to models that fall below $500, we know that throwing some into the mix that come in over $2,000 might be a shock. With a larger price tag, you would expect stunning visuals and a flawless performance from the OLED55C8P, and the LG model doesn’t disappoint. If you’re ready to commit to a high-end unit, this one not only makes movie watching superb but incorporates high-tech additions such as the ability to communicate with other compatible devices thanks to ThinQ artificial intelligence technology.
Pros
Cons
Price
Rating
$1,520 - $1550
- Includes all original accessories plus a 90 Day Warranty
- Samsung QN55Q8FNB Q8 Series 55in Q8FN QLED Smart 4K UHD TV (2018 Model)
- Performance is the calling of the 2018 Q8 with Full Array Backlight control and impressive HDR for a cutting-edge...
If you live to watch life-like scenes unfold on the screen in front of you, the 55-inch Samsung QN55Q8FNB television deserves a spot on your wall. Utilizing Samsung’s proprietary Quantum Dots, the set replicates 100 percent color volume in the same format often used in cinema screens.
Pros
Cons
Price
Rating
$1,480 - $1,520
- PREMIUM 4K HDR: X1 Extreme Processor delivers IMAX quality for an enhanced movie and show experience
- OLED IMAGING: 8 million self-illuminating pixels achieve the perfect black for stunningly real color
- NO BLUR ACTION: 120Hz refresh rate combined with OLED delivers lifelike, fast moving action scenes
Sony’s XBR55A8F OLED TV hits a home run when it comes to breathtaking image quality and producing deep, perfect black space. This is a great television for family movie night. Dim the lights and gather everyone around, as this model’s screen performs especially impressively in dark settings. Also, every angle is a great viewing one.
Pros
Cons
Price
Rating
$1,890 - $1,930
- Your purchase includes One Samsung 7 Series NU7100 55" - Flat 4K UHD Smart LED TV (2018), One remote TM1240A with...
- TV Size without Stand: 48.8"W x 28.1"H x 2.3"D. TV Size with Stand: 48.8” W x 31.2” H x 10.3” D. TV Weight: 38.1...
- Screen size: 54.6" Measured Diagonally. Resolution 3,840 x 2,160. Stand Size 1.7" W x 7.8" H x 10.3" D
With the UN55NU7100, Samsung has produced a Smart TV that performs decently well. With that being said, there’s a reason why it comes in at the number 10 spot on our list. You can certainly spend a little less and get a slightly higher-rated television from a lesser-known brand, or spend a bit more for a slightly better-performing set. With a low input lag, it’s a good choice for gaming, and while the picture quality is good, it deteriorates if you aren’t viewing the screen dead-on.
Pros
Cons
Price
Rating
$500 - $530
Comparison Table
Product | Image | Details | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display Size: 55 inches Dimensions: 49.1 x 8.7 x 30.8 inches Weight 30 pounds | |||
| Display Size: 55 inches Dimensions: 48.4 x 8.9 x 29.9 inches Weight 45.2 pounds | |||
| Display Size: 55 inches Dimensions: 48.3 x 10.6 x 30 inches Weight 33 pounds | |||
 | Display Size: 55 inches Dimensions: 49.8 x 2.9 x 28.5 inches Weight 39 pounds | |||
| Display Size: 55 inches Dimensions: 52.5 x 7.7 x 32.5 inches Weight 55 pounds | |||
| Display Size: 55 inches Dimensions: 48.5 x 10.7 x 30.9 inches Weight 30 pounds | |||
| Display Size: 55 inches Dimensions: 48.3 x 27.8 x 1.8 inches Weight 42.1 pounds | |||
| Display Size: 55 inches Dimensions: 49.1 x 8.7 x 30.8 inches Weight 30 pounds | |||
| Display Size: 55 inches Dimensions: 53.5 x 7.8 x 34.2 inches Weight 81 pounds | |||
| Display Size: 55 inches Dimensions: 48.8 x 10.3 x 31.2 inches Weight 39 pounds |
Final Thoughts Before Making the Big Purchase
There are a few things to consider before adding one of these TVs to your cart. Before committing to binge-watching your favorite show on any of them, review your budget and your must-have features. Some things to consider include if you’ll be using the set for gaming, streaming, watching mostly movies or cheering on your favorite team. Will a lower-priced LED display be more than sufficient, or will nothing less than a high-end OLED do? Answer these questions and then choose the model that will supply you with the most specs on your wish list at the best price that won’t break the bank. Then you can sit back and bask in the glow of your glorious new television.
